The Met Office has issued updated 27-hour weather warnings for large parts of the country as Storm Darragh batters the UK with dangerous gusts of 90 miles per hour.
In its latest update, the national forecaster has issued yellow alerts for five UK regions – North East England, the West Midlaands, Yorkshire & Humber, Wales, and Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian & Borders – which now extend until 9am on Sunday morning, having come into force at 6am today.
A rare red weather warning, which can result in “danger to life” is in place for parts of Wales until 11am today, after gusts of 93mph were recorded in Capel Curig in Wales, while it reached 92mph in Aberdaron, 86mph in Pembrey Sands and 83mph in Aberporth.
It comes as the latest weather maps compiled by WX Charts and Surfline revealed the Storm inching towards western shores of the UK, with the country disappearing under a giant blanket of snow and rain, with heavy downpours expected throughout the day.
In its latest warning alerts, experts warn that “Storm Darragh will bring further outbreaks of rain on Saturday, which are likely to become heavier and more persistent through the day, then last overnight and in to the start of Sunday, before clearing away to the south later.”
It added that 20-25mm is likely to fall quite widely, with 40mm to 60mm falling over high ground of the Cheviots, Pennines and North York Moors – the areas worst affected by the Atlantic blast.
Weather experts have said that spray and flooding will probably lead to major travel disruption – with lots of train services cancelled as a result of the storm.
Flooding of homes and businesses in areas are “likely”, the Met Office added.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Steve Willington said: “Storm Darragh is now moving across the UK bringing very strong winds, heavy rain and in Scotland some snow over the higher ground. These very strong winds will bring significant disruption, with the risk of flying debris, falling trees, large waves along the coast and power cuts.
“During this spell of severe weather it is important to listen to responders and emergency services in your area and keep up to date with the latest weather forecast.
“Storm Darragh will gradually ease from late morning as it crosses the UK, so the strongest winds in the west will start to reduce through Saturday. As the low pressure moves away to the east, colder northerly winds will move across the UK bringing the risk of overnight frosts and some wintry showers over high ground in the north on Sunday. By Monday high pressure becomes centred over the north of the UK and conditions will become much more settled.”
